FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 9, 2011
Bainbridge Island plans for wildfire protection
Partners work to identify hazard areas
OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Peninsula College, and the Bainbridge Island Fire Department have completed a Community Wildfire Protection Plan for the entire island.
Community wildfire planning helps residents of fire-prone areas identify ways to protect their homes and forests from wildfires.
The plan requires collaboration among state and local officials and landowners in order to best define where homes and wildfire fuels mix, the local wildland-urban interface. Washington is making significant progress toward having all of their at-risk communities covered by a wildfire protection plan.
Bainbridge Island’s wildfire protection plan will help to identify hazard areas and establish effective strategies to lessen the potential for catastrophic wildfire. In addition, the plan will increase Bainbridge Island Fire Department’s competitiveness and eligibility for federal grant funding.
The wildland-urban interface is the zone where structures and other human development meet and intermingle with undeveloped wildland or vegetative fuels. Fires in this zone present one of the most dangerous and complicated situations firefighters face with tremendous risks to life and property. As more and more communities develop and grow in areas that are adjacent to fire-prone lands, wildland fires pose increasing threats to people and their property.
With DNR’s help, more communities are better prepared for wildfires this year. Bainbridge Island joins 48 other communities that have developed wildfire protection plans. In addition, 85 communities have received national recognition for their fire prevention efforts through the Firewise Communities USA program.
Media Contact: Janet Pearce, Community Outreach and Education, 360-902-1122, janet.pearce@dnr.wa.gov
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